Contact Improvisation

Earthdance

is an arts, dance, & movement organization and retreat center in Western Massachusetts, on unceded, ancestral Nipmuck, Pocumtuc and Wabanaki Confederacy Land. Earthdance welcomes guests from around the world to engage in events that center movement and embodied practice, Contact Improvisation, and collaborative art making.

The staff and board of directors are committed to an organizational culture that values interdisciplinary collaboration, improvisational community building, and ongoing devotion to equity, access and direct response to the realities of a greater socio-cultural landscape.

Earthdance is dedicated to building awareness of sustainable living and community building; in addition to arts-focused programming, the facility is available for partnerships with other organizations, institutions, festivals, and rentals that align with Earthdance’s values and culture.

Classes & Workshops

Classes & Workshops

Learn about what we offer
Contact Improvisation

Contact Improvisation

A form central to Earthdance & practiced around the world
Artist Residencies & Retreats

Artist Residencies & Retreats

Opportunities for creative exchange +/or focused practice
Community

Community

History. Challenges. Gathering. Connection.

Earthdance Events

For more events see the full calendar >

Fall Jam with Kellyn Jackson and Hawley Brett + Post Jam Lab

SAVE THE DATE - Fall Jam at Earthdance!!!

Relational Forces: A weekend workshop of Contact Improvisation and somatic explorations with Jonathan Brussolo

“The body is a mystery moved by tangible and intangible forces” These forces can originate in interaction with other people, the relationship with space and also from the memory of our tissues and cells. During these sessions, we will initiate explorations that allow us to make contact with the information received...

Dancing the Landscape with Frieda Kipar Bay and Dana Iova-Koga

In this workshop, led by Frieda Kipar Bay and Dana Iova-Koga, we immerse ourselves deeply into the inquiry of how to relate to the ecologies on either side of the skin.

Mask Workshop: Archetypes and The Metamorphosis Masquerade with Akil Apollo Davis

SAVE THE DATE!!! Mask Workshop with Akil Apollo Davis: Archetypes and Metamorphosis Masquerade

Third Sunday of the Month Jam at Earthdance

The long-time tradition of Sunday CI Jams has returned to Earthdance! Come for a class beforehand, or just for the jam. Stay for the sauna and potluck dinner! Registration not required.

Embodied Personal Storytelling with Mandy Snyder

ALL of us, no matter what kind of lives that we have lived, have tales to tell that are compelling to others. Sometimes these are stories of our peak highs and other times, our heartbreaks. They may be stories of the mundane, a funny anecdote or a frustrating family gathering. No matter what the topic, when we share our stories with each other, we find a sense of shared humanity that is deeply satisfying.

For more events see the full calendar >

Independent Events

Nomadic College is coming to Earthdance! Registration is Now Open!

Registration is now open! The NC is an itinerant school for the principle study and application of the Axis Syllabus. Rather than a festival, or celebration, The NC is what it's title suggests, an intensive study context.

For more events see the full calendar >

More Ways to be Here

Host Your Event

With a unique combination of mixed-used indoor & outdoor facilities, Earthdance provides an ideal setting for workshops, conferences, and special events that seek a combination of focus, celebration, and intimate connection.

Learn More >

Personal Retreats: Earthdance is a beautiful and inspiring place to rest & retreat.

Learn More >

Mineral Collecting: Visit the old Betts Mine site to look for minerals.

Learn More >

Experiences

The Value of Earthdance

A relaxing and rigorous environment, that values the pace of the body and the richness of the soul.

Lila H.

What I Learned

Inspired by a community of teachers dedicated to seeking the moving and sublime truths of existence I learned to call on my name as Artist and Dancer.

Michelle L.

Why I Donate

Earthdance is a gem in the firmament!  It holds space for deep exploration of one’s current investigation and supports our light spirit as well.

Ted J.

I Love

Part of my joy is just knowing that it’s here, even if I don’t use it as much as I would like.  It’s like a local home of the larger dance community.  A place to meet and re-meet friends.  A place to get physical contact in times when that’s missing from my life – a connection.  A place to express emotion. A place I’m proud to introduce people to as a physical center for my community of people.  It allows people to have a place  for the stream of community members that come and go through out lives.  A place of nurturing – be it food, touch, talk, dance.

Anonymous.